No-spill drinking cup apparatus

ABSTRACT

An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. An initially blocked opening in a flexible material moves up along a protruding member until the opening is unblocked, so as to allow fluid flow.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisionalapplication Ser. No. 10/083,656 filed Feb. 25, 2002 (pending), which isa continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 09/271,779filed Mar. 18, 1999 (patented), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 09/138,588 filed Aug. 21, 1998(patented), which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/056,218 filed Aug. 21, 1997.

The present application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S.Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 11/787,672 filed Apr. 17, 2007(pending), which is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional applicationSer. No. 10/001,257 filed Nov. 27, 2001 (patented), which is acontinuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 09/138,588filed Aug. 21, 1998 (patented), which claims the priority of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/056,218 filed Aug. 21, 1997.

The priority of all of those prior applications is claimed, and all ofthose applications are fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a no-spill cup assembly with animproved valve mechanism to prevent liquid from flowing out of the cupwhen not desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

No-spill cup assemblies are well known in the art. In the past, avariety of such assemblies have been developed and marketed. In general,the goal of a no-spill cup is to provide a construction which minimizesor prevents liquid from emerging out of the cup when liquid flow is notdesired, i.e. when the user is not drinking. However, though theassemblies of the prior art are intended to avoid such accidents, theirconstruction is such that they generally do not provide a secure enoughprotection against undesirable spilling or leakage. Thus, when such cupsare inverted, or more significantly, when they are shaken vigorously,liquid will often emerge from them. This can be a particular problemwith young children, for whom these cups are usually intended.Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved cup assembly forpreventing undesired spilling of liquids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved no-spillcup assembly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cupassembly which prevents liquid from flowing out of the cup when the useris not drinking.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly whichminimizes and/or eliminates accidental or undesirable liquid flow orspillage out of the cup.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly whichprovides the ability to regulate the flow rate of liquid out of the cup.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly whichcan be used by young children, to avoid accidental spilling of liquidtherefrom.

Further objects of the invention will become apparent in conjunctionwith the disclosure herein.

In accordance with the invention, an improved cup construction and valveassembly is provided which provides an extremely secure seal againstaccidental liquid flow from the cup spout. Further to the invention, auser places his or her mouth against the spout of the cup assembly tosuck liquid out of the cup when desired. The act of sucking at the spoutof the cup creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valvein the cup spout, causing the valve to begin to invert, or turn insideout, thereby unblocking an opening such as an orifice or slit in thevalve. In the preferred embodiment, the application of negative pressureto the top of the valve causes an opening in a portion of the valve tomove up off of the base of a protruding member extending through thatopening. Once the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely throughthe valve and spout.

In contrast, when not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closedposition, with the opening pressed against the center seal-off, therebysealing off the opening, slit or orifice in the valve assembly. Thus, inits relaxed state, with no negative pressure applied, the valve sits ina closed position with the fluid opening sealed by the center seal-off.In the preferred embodiment, the protruding member extends through theopening in a male to female relationship such that the orifice sitstightly on the protruding member against the protruding member's bottomportion and the center seal-off or sealing member's base.

In one embodiment, a dual valve device is provided having an adjacentvalve which similarly seals when no negative pressure is applied,thereby blocking off the air vents in the cover of the cup, and furtherpreventing the possibility of fluid flow.

In each of the embodiments of the invention, the closed valve positionprovides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such thatinadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outsideof the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup,are ineffective.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cup assembly allows liquidflow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flowlevels or rates by rotating the position of a valve assembly in the capor cover of the cup. The valve holder is constructed as a two subunitassembly, with one subassembly holding a valve with a larger slit ororifice for fluid flow than the valve in the second subunit. Thus, uponrotation of the valve holder, either a low-flow valve or a higher flowvalve can be positioned in the hole leading to the spout. In thismanner, a dual position valve assembly is provided allowing eitherregular flow or minimal liquid flow conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1( a) is an exploded front view of a no-spill cup assembly inaccordance with the present invention. FIG. 1( b) is an explodedperspective view of the no-spill cup assembly of FIG. 1 (a).

FIG. 2( a) is an exploded front view of a second embodiment of ano-spill cup assembly in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1(b) is an exploded perspective view of the no-spill cup assembly of FIG.2( a).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of thevalve assembly of the no-spill cup, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5( a) is an exploded front view of the cup assembly of the presentinvention, showing the rotation of the valve holder or assembly, intotwo alternate positions for placement in the cap or cover of the cup.

FIG. 5( b) is an exploded perspective view, showing the placement of thevalve holder into the cap, in either of the two positions illustrated inFIG. 5( a).

FIG. 6( a)-(e) are a series of additional views of the valve holder orassembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 6( a) is a top view of the valve holder. FIG.6( b) is a front view of the valve holder. FIG. 6( c) is a side view ofthe valve holder. FIG. 6( d) is a cross-sectional view of the valveholder wherein the valve is in a relaxed state, sealing off fluid flow.FIG. 6( e) is a cross-sectional view of the valve holder, showing thevalve in an inverted state, to allow fluid flow through the valve.

FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of thevalve assembly of the no-spill cup, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 8( a)-(e) are a series of additional views of a further embodimentof the valve assembly shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8( a) is a top view of thevalve holder or assembly. FIG. 8( b) is a front view of the valveholder. FIG. 8( c) is a side view of the valve holder. FIG. 8( d) is across-sectional view of the valve holder wherein the valve is in arelaxed state, sealing off fluid flow. FIG. 8( e) is a cross-sectionalview of the valve holder, showing the valve in an inverted state, toallow fluid flow through the valve.

FIG. 9( a)-(e) are a series of additional views of another embodiment ofthe valve assembly shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9( a) is a top view of thevalve holder or assembly. FIG. 9( b) is a front view of the valveholder. FIG. 9( c) is a side view of the valve holder. FIG. 9( d) is across-sectional view of the valve holder wherein the valve is in arelaxed state, sealing off fluid flow. FIG. 9( e) is a cross-sectionalview of the valve holder, showing the valve in an inverted state, toallow fluid flow through the valve.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a no-spill cup with a soft gripping area, inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11( a)-(c) are a series of additional views of another embodimentof the cap of the present invention. FIG. 11( a) is a partial sectionalview of a cap with an insert molded or glued in gasket, in accordancewith the invention. FIG. 11( b) is a side sectional view of the cap ofFIG. 11( a). FIG. 11( c) is a top sectional view of the cap of FIG. 11(b).

FIG. 12( a)-(c) are a series of additional views of another embodimentof the cap of the present invention. FIG. 12( a) is a partial sectionalview of a cap with a molded lip which wedges against into the insidesurface of the cup, in accordance with the invention. FIG. 12( b) is aside sectional view of the cap of FIG. 12( a). FIG. 12( c) is a topsectional view of the cap of FIG. 12( b).

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of a cap having a soft spout, inaccordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a cap having a reduced volume spout,in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 15( a)-(f) are a series of additional views of a preferredembodiment of the present invention in which the center stop has beenmodified, and the opening in the valve is an approximately circularorifice or hole.

FIG. 15( a) is atop view of the valve holder, holding the modifiedvalve, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 15( b) is a cross sectional view of the valve holder of FIG. 15( a)showing the modified valves therein, including a modified center stophaving a protruding member. The valve includes an approximately circularopening in the valve that is blocked by the protruding member, whichextends therethrough.

FIG. 15( c) is a side view of the valve holder of FIG. 15( a).

FIG. 15( d) is an end view of the valve holder of FIG. 15( a).

FIG. 15( e) is a cross sectional view of the valve within the valveholder of FIG. 15( a), showing the fast flow valve, in accordance withthe embodiment of the invention in which the center stop has beenmodified to include a protruding member extending therefrom.

FIG. 15( f) is a cross sectional view of the valve within the valveholder of FIG. 15( a), showing the slow flow valve, in accordance withthe embodiment of the invention in which the center stop has beenmodified to include a protruding member extending therefrom. FIGS. 16(a)-(d) are a series of views of one of the valve holder subunits of thevalve holder shown in FIGS. 15( a)-(f). FIG. 16( a) is a top view of thevalve holder subunit, for attachment to a cap of a no spill cup. FIG.16( b) is a cross sectional view of the valve holder subunit of FIG. 16(a). FIG. 16( c) is a side view of the valve holder subunit shown in FIG.16( a). FIG. 16( d) is a perspective view of the valve holder subunit.

FIGS. 17( a)-(d) are a series of views of the valve, in accordance withthe preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 15( a)-(f), andFIGS. 16( a)-(d). FIG. 17( a) is a top view of the valve, for placementwithin a valve holder subunit, as shown in FIGS. 1 6(a)-(d) and/orplacement in a valve holder, as shown in FIGS. 15 (a)-(f). FIG. 17( b)is a cross sectional view of the valve of FIG. 17( a). FIG. 17( c) is aside view of the valve shown in FIG. 17( a). FIG. 17( d) is an explodedview of a portion of the valve shown in FIG. 17( b).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As will be shown in conjunction with the attached drawings, a novel cupassembly is disclosed for providing prevention against accidental liquidspills. FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b) are a front view and a perspective view,respectively, of an embodiment of the cup assembly, in accordance withthe present invention. The volume of the cup or liquid holding portionof the assembly can be adjusted as desired. In one embodiment, a 7 oz.drinking cup is provided, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, a 9 oz.drinking cup, as shown in FIG. 2, a 6½ oz. cup, or any other desiredsize can be provided, as well.

The sides of the cup can be provided with no handles, one handle, twohandles or any other number of handles, for the user's use to grip thecup. This handle or handle is preferably sized for a child's hands. Inaddition, the outside appearance of the cup and/or the cap can be asolid color, or can be printed with any desired design.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a no spill cup with a softgripping area can be provided, as shown in FIG. 10. In accordance withthis embodiment, a soft ring 102 is provided around the outside of thecup. This ring can be of any width desired, and serves as a finger grip,to make it easier to grasp the cup securely. Preferably, the ring isapproximately two inches (2″) wide. In a preferred embodiment, the softring 102 has shapes or designs 106 cut out of it, such as stars, ovals,or so forth. The hard cup, in turn, has raised areas or protuberancescorresponding to those shapes or designs. The soft ring fits snugly overthese raised areas of the cup, each of the protruding hard shapesfitting into the cutouts of the soft ring, with the surface of theraised areas and the soft ring being flush when the ring is insertedonto the cup.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cup is constructed frompolycarbonate. In an alternate embodiment, the cup is constructed frompolypropylene. If desired, clear polypropylene can be utilized.Alternatively, any other suitable materials can be used for thecomponents of the no-spill cup. The components of the cup are all madeof durable materials, resistant to breakage, dishwasher safe, andpreferably color fast.

In accordance with the invention, cup 7 includes a no-spill cap or cover11, a valve holder or assembly 31 and tumbler cup 22. No-spill cap 11includes a spout 14 for drinking liquid from the cup. The spout is sizedto allow an individual to place his or her mouth over the spout to drinktherefrom. In the preferred embodiment, the spout is sized for the mouthof a child, particularly for a child of a young age.

No-spill cap 11 forms a cover for placement over tumbler cup 22. Whenattached to the cup 22, a secure seal is formed such that no liquid canemerge through the connection between the cap 11 and cup 22. In use, cap11 is sufficiently secured to cup 22 such that shaking the cup assembly,dropping the cup on the floor, or other vigorous movement of the cupassembly, or application of sharp force thereto, is insufficient toseparate the cap from the cup.

In one embodiment, no-spill cap 11 and tumbler cup 22 include matingmale and female screw threads, such that the cap 11 is a screw-on capwhich can be easily rotated onto the tumbler cup 22, as shown in FIG. 2.In an alternative embodiment, a snap-on cap is used, as shown in FIG. 1.In this embodiment, a resilient ring portion of cap 11 securely fitsover lip 10 of tumbler cup 22, as is well known in the art. Although ascrew-on cap or a snap-on cap are shown as two preferred embodiments,alternatively, any other suitable mechanism to secure the cap to thetumbler cup can be utilized.

Either the screw-on cap and/or the snap-on cap can be further providedwith a gasket 110 between the tumbler cup and the cap, to further sealthe connection between the cup and the cap. This gasket can be part ofthe tumbler cup 22 or the cap 11, or can be a separate element insertedbetween the cap and the cup. In a preferred embodiment, the gasket 110is part of cap 11, as shown in FIGS. 11( a)-(c).

Alternatively, the cap can be provided with a small annular inner lip,on the inside of the cap, which acts as a gasket. This lip, as shown inFIGS. 12( a)-(c), wedges inside the cup when the cap is screwed orplaced upon it. The lip acts to further prevent the possibility ofliquid flow through the contact between the cup and the cap.

In a preferred embodiment, finger grips 12 are provided on the outsideof the cap, such as grooves or the like. These grips facilitate removaland application of the cap, particularly in embodiments requiring thescrewing of the cap on and off of the cup.

The cap is also preferably interchangeable with numerous tumbler cups ofdifferent sizes. In this embodiment, the rim of the tumbler cups are allof the same diameter, although the tumbler cups themselves are ofdifferent volumes. For example, the same sized cap could be used on a 6½oz. cup and/or a 7 oz. cup and/or a 9 oz. cup, and so forth.

In a further embodiment of the cap, the cap has a soft spout 130 asshown in FIG. 13. Preferably, the spout is made of a thermo-elastimer.Spout 130 can be insert molded to a polypropylene cap, providing acombination cap having a hard section for attachment to the cup, and asoft spout portion. Preferably, the spout has a small channel extendingtherethrough to reduce the liquid volume which can be trapped within thespout portion.

In a further embodiment of the cap, the cap has a reduced volume spoutas shown in FIG. 14. Reduced volume spout 140 is designed to reduce thevolume of liquid which can be trapped within the spout. Reduced volumespout 140 has a volume reduction member 144 inserted therein to reducethe internal volume of the spout, and to provide a channel 148 forliquid flow. Preferably, valve assembly subunit 142 extends up intospout 140 to further reduce the amount of liquid which can be trapped inspout 140. Valve assembly subunit 142 can, for example, extend intovolume reduction member 144. Accordingly, this embodiment reduces thespace between the valve and the opening of the drinking spout, to reducethe amount of liquid potentially trapped in this area.

As shown in FIG. 1( b), no-spill cap 11 includes valve assembly carriers16 and 18. In the preferred embodiment, valve assembly carriers 16 and18 are tapered holes provided on the underside of the cap. Valveassembly carrier or tapered hole 18 leads to an open spout 14, providinga path for liquid flow. Thus, valve assembly carrier or hole 18 is fullyopen on both sides, both on its top surface, which leads to spout 14,and on its bottom surface opposite tumbler cup 32, for the flow ofliquid out of tumbler cup 22 through hole 18 and through spout 14 intothe user's mouth.

Valve assembly carrier or tapered hole 16, in contrast, provides apassage for the flow of air into the cup during use, allowing liquid toexit through opposing hole 18 and spout 14. Hole 16 is open on one side,i.e. on its lower surface opposite tumbler cup 22. On the opposing side,hole. 16 merges into the inner surface of cap 11. The inner surface ofcap 11 is further provided with one or more, preferably small, vents orholes for air flow, allowing air to flow through the vents of cap 11 andthrough hole 16 into the cup assembly during use.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, no-spill cup 7 further includes valve holderor assembly 31. Valve holder 31 is preferably constructed from a hightemperature ABS material, and is dimensioned to fit snugly into cap 11.In the preferred embodiment, valve holder is a separate assembly whichfits into cap 11. Alternatively, the valve holder can be provided as anintegral part of cap 11 and/or cup 7. For example, valve holder 31 canbe molded as a part of cap 11, such that the valve holder is inseparablefrom the cap.

In the preferred embodiment, valve holder 31 is a two-subunit assemblyconnected by bridge 34. Each subunit of the two-subunit assembly issized to frictionally fit into and be held by either one of taperedholes 16 and 18. The spacing between tapered holes 16 and 18 is the sameas between the subunits of valve holder 31, such that the valve holdercan be easily secured within cap 11. The sizing and tapering of holes 16and 18 and the sizing of valve holder 31 are dimensioned so as toprovide a secure, snug mating between the valve assembly and the taperedholes. In a preferred embodiment, the top of the valve holder (i.e. theside facing the spout) and the bottom of the valve holder (i.e. the sidefacing the cup) has two different diameters. The top is proportioned tofit snugly into the tapered hole, and the bottom is proportioned suchthat it cannot be inserted into hole 16 or 18. In this way, a mechanismis provided to prevent the valve holder from being inserted into theholes in the wrong orientation, i.e. upside down.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of the valve holder ofthe present invention. Valve holder 31 consists of two valve holdersubunits 37 and 39, connected by a bridge 34. Each valve holder subunitis intended to hold a single valve therein. As shown in the figure,valve or valve member 42 is intended for placement in subunit 37, andvalve or valve member 45 is intended for placement in subunit 39. Valves42 and 45 each include a slit or orifice for the passage of liquid. Theslit or orifice is preferably through the center portion of the valve,and is dimensioned to allow a predetermined flow level or rate of liquidtherethrough, as desired.

Valve holder subunits 37 and 39 open into sealing units 37 a and 39(a)and valve retainers or endcaps 37 b and 39(b), respectively. Takingsubunit 37 as an example of the function of each subunit, as shown inFIG. 3, subunit 37 is initially in an open position in which the sealingunit and the valve retainer have been pulled or hinged apart. In oneembodiment, the sealing unit and the valve retainer have a tab 60connecting them, to prevent the components from being permanentlyseparated accidentally. Alternatively, the valve retainer can be weldedinto place (e.g. by sonic welding), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. Thesealing units each have at least one open section 58, such that, in thevalve assembly's disassembled state, fluid can pass, unobstructed,through the sealing unit since no valve is in place. Likewise, the valveretainers are open on both sides for unobstructed passage of fluidthrough the valve retainer in the disassembled state when no valve is inplace.

To assemble the valve assembly, valve 42 is inserted into the valveholder by placement of the valve between sealing unit 37 a and valveretainer 37 b. After a valve has been placed into one or both of thesubunits, the valve retainers can each be folded or hinged back abouttab 60, over the sealing unit 37 (or under sealing unit 39, in theorientation shown in the figure) and snapped into place to close thesubunits, as shown in FIG. 5. The resilience of the sealing unit allowsfor a tight seal to be established between the valve retainer and thesealing unit. When closed, each subunit secures or encapsulates a valvetightly therein, maintaining the valve in place in the valve holder. Forclarity, reference is primarily made to subunit 37, although subunits 37and 39 are preferably the same in all features other than the size ofthe valve opening. For the purposes of the present discussion, it isassumed that subunit 37 is the subunit intended for initial placementinto hole 18.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 9, upon closing a subunit (e.g. subunit 37in FIG. 3), valve 42 sits securely against center seal-off stop orcenter stop 52 in sealing unit 37 a, with the opening 70 in valve 42being flush against center seal-off stop 52. Valve 42 includes a top,proximal side which will face the spout of the cap, and a distal sidewhich rests against the center seal-off stop when the valve is placed invalve holder 31.

Center stop 52 functions as a sealing member or blocking element of thevalve assembly which seals off and blocks the flow of fluid through thevalve. In one embodiment, center stop 52 consists of a solidsubstantially flat central area or portion 56 which is impenetrable tothe flow of liquid therethrough. In a further, preferred, embodiment,center stop or seal off 101 is provided with a protruding member 108extending off of the base of the center seal off, as shown in FIG. 15.

Surrounding the central area or portion 56, a peripheral area or region58 can be provided having open areas such as slots or so forth, forallowing the passage of liquid therethrough, as shown, for example inFIG. 8( a). Central area 56 or center stop 52 can further include stems74. As shown in FIG. 9, stems 74 can further be reinforced with braces72, which are reinforcing elements, which provide additional materialstrength to the connection between the stems and the valve holder.

When in the normal resting position, valve 42 relaxes to sit securelyagainst the center stop 52, as shown in FIG. 8( d). In this restingposition, opening or orifice 70 of valve 42 presses firmly against thecentral area 56 of center stop 52, preventing any fluid flow through thevalve, and maintaining the valve in a closed configuration. In analternate embodiment, the orifice can sit firmly against and upon aprotruding member 108, as shown in FIG. 15.

To drink from the cup, a user raises the cup to his or her mouth andbegins to suck liquid through spout 14. In the process, the user createsnegative pressure or a partial vacuum against the top of valve 42 insubunit 37. In one embodiment, valve 42 is constructed of a flexiblematerial which is designed to fully invert and turn inside out, or tobegin to invert and turn inside out, upon creation of a partial vacuumagainst the top of the valve 42, as shown in FIG. 8( e). For example,valve 42 can be a membrane, either in whole or in part. Preferably, thevalve is constructed of Kraton or silicone. If silicone is used, a 45durometer silicone such as Lims 6045 is preferred, which is availablefrom General Electric or from Wacker (a subsidiary of Bayer) of Germany.The materials used for the valve assembly and its components aresufficiently durable and heat resistant that the entire valve assemblycan be placed in a dishwasher or boiled.

FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, show a preferred bowl shape for the flexiblematerial of the valve 42. FIGS. 8( d) and 8(e) show the valve before andafter it inverts, with FIG. 8( d) showing the valve assembly not in use,with no negative pressure applied, and with FIG. 8( e) showing the valveassembly in use, with negative pressure applied to the valve. As showntherein, upon application of negative pressure the bottom (distal side)of the bowl and the opening in that bottom move away from the blockingelement, toward the top (proximal side) and rim of the bowl, and towardthe spout, allowing liquid to exit through the opening.

In one embodiment, the valve material is constructed of a singlematerial with a greater thickness of material on the center area whichseals off on the center stop, and with a thinner portion of material onthe sidewalls. Providing a thinner sidewall portion contributes to theflexibility of the valve at its edges, which further assists andencourages inversion of the valve, by causing the valve to flex at thesidewalls first upon application of negative pressure thereto. Preferreddimensions for the valve thickness are approximately 0.4 mm of thicknesson the sidewalls and approximately 0.9 mm of thickness on the centerarea.

In a first embodiment, upon inversion of valve 42, opening or orifice 70is displaced away from central area 56 of center stop 52. The inversionof the valve therefore unblocks opening 70 allowing fluid flow throughthe subunit. As negative pressure is being applied to the top of thevalve 42 located next to the spout, negative pressure is likewise beingapplied to the bottom of the adjacent valve in the other subunit,located in the other tapered hole of the cup cover. Thus, this negativepressure, opens the second valve as well, by displacing the opening inthe other valve away from its center stop. Inversion of valves 42 allowsfluid flow to proceed through both subunits of the assembly. Liquid willflow through one subunit of the valve assembly, the subunit connected tothe spout, concurrently accompanied by air flow through the othersubunit of the assembly, the subunit connected to the air vents. In thismanner, liquid smoothly and easily flows though the valve assembly, thespout, and out of the cup.

In a further embodiment, the valve assembly is provided with a flowbridge 84. Flow bridge 84 blocks movement or expansion of the valve 42beyond a certain maximum distance to prevent the valve fromoverextending itself, or from being subjected to excessive strain ordistension, as shown in FIG. 8( e). Thus, the flow bridge prevents thevalve from inverting beyond the point where it can no longer easilyrevert to its original position. In addition, the flow bridge provides ashield or a barrier preventing the valve from damage. Thus, it blocksobjects such as a spoon or so forth, whether in a dishwasher orotherwise, from easily damaging the valve.

When negative pressure is released or removed from the spout, the valvereverts back to its resting position, and fluid cannot flow through theclosed slit or orifice in the valve. In the resting position, no liquidwill spill from or emerge out of the cup.

Further embodiments of the valve holder and assembly are shown in FIGS.4, 7-9 and 15-17. As shown in FIG. 4, instead of the valve retainershown in FIG. 3, a detachable snap fit valve retainer 81 canalternatively be provided. Or, as shown in FIG. 7, valve retainer 94 canbe provided as well. Valve retainers 81 and 94 serve the same functionas valve retainers 37 b and 39(b), holding and securing the valve withinthe valve assembly. It is preferred that the valve retainer, whicheverembodiment is utilized, be sonic welded on, to ensure that the valvecannot be dislodged or removed from the holder.

Thus, in accordance with the invention, a system is provided formaintaining a tight seal against fluid flow when the cup is not in use.An extremely secure seal is provided, such that excessive or vigorousshaking is ineffective to force fluid out of the cup. Significantly, thevalve construction disclosed results in a much tighter seal than thatobserved in the no-spill cup assemblies of the prior art. In accordancewith the invention, unless the user sucks through the spout, no liquidwill flow through the valve.

In the preferred embodiment, subunits 37 and 39 are preferably identicalin all respects excepts for the size of the orifice or slit in valve 42and the orifice or slit in valve 45. It is preferred that one valve beprovided with a larger opening than the other valve, such as a longerslit or larger orifice in one valve than the other. In one embodiment,one valve is provided with an opening in the form of a slit ofapproximately two hundred thousandths ( 200/1000) of an inch in length,while the second valve is provided with a slit of approximately fiftythousandths ( 50/1000) of an inch. Alternatively, other lengths or sizesmay, of course, be used as well in accordance with the invention.

By varying the size and/or shape of the opening in the valve, thepresent inventor has further provided a novel dual acting flow systemfor regulating fluid flow. In this system, the level of flow of liquidout of the cup during use can be easily regulated. Regulation isaccomplished by a simple rotation of the valve assembly which convertsthe cup between a faster or higher liquid flow, and a slower or lowerflow system.

As shown in FIG. 5, valve holder 31 can be inserted into cap 11 ineither of two configurations. In a first configuration, valve 45, havinga larger opening or orifice or slit, is placed into hole 18, the hole incommunication with spout 14. In this configuration, a first, higher,flow level of liquid through the valve is established when the usersucks liquid through the spout, due to the use of the valve having thelarger opening therein. By removing the valve holder 31 from holes 16and 18, and flipping the valve holder 31 one hundred eighty degrees(180°), the other valve 42, having the smaller opening, can be insertedinto hole 18. This valve 42 provides a second, lower flow state, inwhich liquid can still flow out of the spout, but at a lower flow ratethan flow through the first valve. In this way, the rate of flow ofliquid out of the cup can be regulated by a parent. Although a two levelflow system is disclosed, greater or fewer flow levels can be providedby varying the number of attached subunits having valves therein, or byproviding replacement valve holders having different sized openings 70therein. In all configurations, however, liquid only flows through thevalve when the user sucks through the spout, as disclosed above.

Any form of desired opening suitable for passage of a desired level ofliquid can be utilized in the valve. The opening 70 can be, for example,a slit, a slot, an orifice (including any form of hole), or so forth.Likewise, by the term opening, it is contemplated that multiple openingsof these or any other types can be provided as well.

In one embodiment, the opening 70 is an “X” shaped slot 78, as shown inFIG. 7. In another preferred embodiment, the opening is a “T” shapedslot 76, as also shown in FIG. 7. Use of the X-shaped slot 78 shown inFIG. 7, will provide a higher flow rate than the T-shaped slot 76 showntherein. The flow rate, of course, depends on the total length of theslots, or in general, on the size of the opening. Accordingly, both theX-shaped slot and the T-shaped slot can be used in a single valveassembly, each placed in its respective subunit. In this preferredembodiment, a two level flow system is provided, as previouslydiscussed.

In a further embodiment, both openings are X-shaped, with one openinglarger than the other. A 7 mm opening (the length from end to end ofeach crossbar of the “X”) can be used for the fast side, and a 6 mmopening for the slow side.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve includes a valvemember 126 and a center stop or seal off with a protruding member. Thepreferred configurations and dimensions for the valve are shown in FIGS.15-17.

As shown in FIG. 17( a), valve member 126 includes an opening such asorifice or hole 118, and is preferably a membrane or flexible portion ofmaterial. The valve member and, likewise the protruding member, can eachbe made of a suitable flexible or plastic material, such as silicone,kraton, latex or ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene).

Valve member 126 is preferably encapsulated within an valve assemblysubunit 114, 116 or 130, the valve assembly subunit being shown in FIGS.15( a) and 16. Valve assembly subunit 130 is provided with openingstherethrough, for passage of liquid through one side of the subunit,then through the valve, when the valve is in the open position, and thenthrough the other side of the subunit, allowing a user to drink whennegative pressure or suction is applied to the valve. The valve subunitor another suitable anti-inversion member or flow bridge placed inproximity to the valve member can further serve to block excessiveinversion of the valve member. In accordance with this embodiment, theside of the valve subunit or the anti-inversion member is placed at asufficiently close distance to the valve member such that upon theapplication of negative pressure or suction to the valve member, thevalve member will hit the side of the subunit before fully inverting.

In the preferred embodiment, center stop or sealing member 101 isprovided with a protruding member 108 which extends off of a base 104,as shown in FIG. 15( b) and FIGS. 15( e)- (f). Protruding member 108 isa male sealing or protruding member, which in the closed valve stateextends through orifice 118. Preferably, a circular or approximatelycircular orifice is used, although any shaped orifice can be usedconsistent with the invention.

Further preferably, male sealing or protruding member 108 is a post orpin, such as a frustoconical or conical post, or a finger-like shapedmember. Male sealing or protruding member 108 extends off of the base104 as a protrusion or projection toward the orifice 118. Preferably,sealing or protruding member 108 is tapered. Specifically, in thepreferred embodiment, the protruding member 108 has a greater diameterat its bottom portion (near the base 104 of the center seal-off), thanits diameter at the top. In the preferred embodiment, base 104 issubtantially flat.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, protrudingmember 108 is provided opposite female orifice 118, with the protrudingmember 108 and the orifice 118 in the center seal off forming a male tofemale mating relationship. In the relaxed state, with no negativepressure applied, center seal off 101 presses against orifice 118, withprotruding member 108 tightly extending through the orifice and forminga seal against the flow of fluid through the valve. Due to the matingbetween the sealing member and the orifice, and due to the tapering ofthe sealing member with the larger diameter provided at the protrudingmember's base, the orifice sits snugly against the wider diameter bottomportion of protruding member 108 to form a very tight seal against fluidflow. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the protruding member108 extends past the orifice 118, i.e., in the closed valve state, thetop of the protruding or sealing member 108 extends both through andpast the orifice 118, to further ensure a tight barrier against fluidflow through the valve and to prevent the orifice from overtravellingand moving off of the protruding member. In accordance with theinvention, even if the cup with the valve is shaken vigorously no fluidflows therethrough. In fact, shaking the cup can further wedge theprotruding member 108 into the orifice 118, further tightening the sealbetween the protruding member and the edges of the orifice.

In this preferred embodiment, when the child or user tilts back the cupto drink therefrom and sucks at the top of the valve, the negativepressure he or she is applying to the top of the valve will open thevalve by pulling the valve member containing the opening up and off ofthe valve and away from the protruding member. Accordingly, with theopening or orifice pulled off of the protruding member, the opening ororifice is unblocked and liquid can flow through the opening into theuser's mouth.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, a variableflow valve is provided, such that the harder the user sucks on the spoutthe greater the flow of liquid that comes out through the valve. Sincethe valve member preferably rests on a tapered protruding member, suchas cone or frusto-conical member, the higher the negative pressure onthe top of the valve member, i.e. the more the user sucks on the spout,the more the valve member is pulled off of the cone. As the valve memberis further pulled off the base of the protruding member 108 and up itsheight (e.g. up the height of a cone), the opening or orifice in thevalve member becomes progressively less blocked by the taperedprotruding member 108, revealing a progressively greater cross-sectionalarea for fluid to flow therethrough.

Further in accordance with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 15-17, theapplication of negative pressure to the top of the valve causes thevalve to partially invert, raising the valve off of the protrudingmember, but preferably not inverting totally. As the valve begins toinvert, the orifice is raised off of the protruding member, partiallyunblocking the orifice, which results in fluid flow therethrough asdisclosed above.

In the preferred embodiment, the orifice in valve member 124 is circularand approximately 3/32 of an inch in diamneter for the slow valve side+/− 1/16 of an inch, and is approximately ⅛ of an inch in diameter forthe fast flow valve, also +/− 1/16 of an inch. Preferably, theprotruding member is provided with a diameter of slightly over an ⅛′ atits base, and a diameter of approximately 1/16 of an inch at its top onthe fast flow valve, and a diameter of over 3/32 of an inch at its baseand approximately 1/32 of an inch at its top on the slower flow valve.The opening or hole in the valve member 124 is also preferably radiusedon the face, as shown in FIG. 17( b) and in the detailed, enlarged viewof the orifice in FIG. 17( d), to enable the valve member 124 to moreeasily move up and down the protruding member, and so that it does notstick on the protruding member during operation. In the preferredembodiment, the radius is 0.0100 inches.

In one embodiment, the valve is part of one or more subunits 114 and/or116 of a valve assembly 120 for attachment to a no-spill drinking cup,or the cap thereof. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, thevalve is an integral part of the cap or cover of the drinking cup. In apreferred version of this embodiment, the valve holder is molded to thecup cap or cover, or the cover is molded with the valve insertedtherein. In a further preferred version of this embodiment, only asingle valve is used, this valve having a protruding member with anapproximately seven (7) degree taper.

In one embodiment of the invention, two valves are provided, one on eachside of the lid or cap of the cup. In this embodiment, the protrudingmember on the fast flow side has a taper of approximately seven (7)degrees, and the protruding member on the slow flow side has a taper ofapproximately nine (9) degrees. In a further preferred embodiment of theinvention, a single valve is used, this valve having a protruding memberwith an approximately seven (7) degree taper.

In the various embodiments of the invention, it is further preferredthat the valve holder be marked to indicate which subunit is suitablefor higher flow, and which for lower flow of liquid therethrough.Accordingly, the valve holders can be explicitly marked “Fast” and“Slow” as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, respectively. Alternatively, oradditionally, the subunits or the valve holders can be marked with ahare or rabbit, signifying fast flow, and a tortoise or turtle,signifying slow flow, as respectively also shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. Thesubunit connected to the spout is, of course, the subunit which controlsthe liquid flow rate. The valve holder can be marked, for example, onthe subunit itself, or on the bridge in an area directly adjacent to thesubunit, as shown in the figures. In one embodiment, the valve holder ismarked on the top and bottom (i.e. the sides facing the spout and thecup, respectively), such that the symbols and/or words can be seen fromthe top when the valve holder is being inserted, and from the bottom,once it has already been inserted, to determine which speed valve is inplace in the spout. In an alternate embodiment, the words and/or symbolsare only on the bottom of the valve, so that the user can see them fromthe bottom when inserting the valve holder, and can also view the valveholder from the bottom, once inserted.

Having described this invention with regard to specific embodiments, itis to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitationsince further modifications may suggest themselves, or may be apparentto those in the art. It is intended that the present application coverall such modifications and improvements thereon.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a no-spill drinking apparatus, saidapparatus comprising an air vent and a valve, said valve comprising apost and a bowl-shaped flexible material, said flexible materialcomprising an opening, said post extending into said opening, said valvehaving a closed position and an open position, said closed positionbeing a configuration in which liquid is blocked from passage throughsaid opening, said open position being a configuration in which liquidcan pass through said opening, wherein air passes into said apparatusthrough said air vent and said valve moves from said closed position tosaid open position upon application of negative pressure to saidflexible material; and wherein said apparatus comprises a subunit thatsaid flexible material hits upon said application of negative pressureto said flexible material.
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1,wherein said apparatus comprises a cap for a cup, said cap comprising asoft spout.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidapparatus comprises a hard cup.